Social Media Listening on Ozempic: Research and Study on Social Media Channels

Social Media Listening report of Ozempic a drug by NovoNordisk got US FDA approval for Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

Research Study Background

On 5th-December 2017, FDA approves another robust anti-diabetic drug alongside with diet and exercise name Ozempic (Semaglutide) once-weekly pre-filled pen GLP (glucagon peptide receptor) antagonist by NovoNordisk. The approval of semaglutide were on the basis of SUSTAIN Phase 3 clinical trial in which a drug has significantly reduced the HbA1c level or lowers blood sugar by boosting insulin secretion and body weight compared to a placebo, sitagliptin, and exenatide extended-release in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Novo Nordisk plans to launch Ozempic in the first quarter of 2018 in U.S and also hope of locking extensive insurance coverage and patient access. Ozempic will be valued similar to current market-leading GLP-1 receptor agonists and a discount card program will be available to help lower the co-pays in eligible commercially-insured patients.

1. Study was conducted to understand initial social media reaction on Ozempic where total 687online posts were analysed by our subject matter experts.

2. Study monitoring period was considered from 1st December – 20th December 2017.

Findings:

1. Majority of HCPs, Journalists, Pharmacist and Other Individual spreading information on Ozempic (semaglutide) across social media channels related to US FDA approval in which Twitter followed by Mainstream Media and blogs have maximum volume of conversations.

2. Optimistic conversation on Ozempic were related to its efficacy and related to competition for other market leading drug (Victoza and Trulicity) which says- “Novo Nordisk A/S's diabetes drug Ozempic, setting the stage for a heated battle with Eli Lilly & Co's Trulicity” and Novo Nordisk's new diabetes drug #semaglutide is a once-weekly medication that is similar to #Victoza and #Trulicity works great for weight loss.

3. Counteractive conversations on semaglutide were observed linked to its adverse side effects and price. Novo Nordisk's new diabetes drug #semaglutide is a once-weekly medication that is similar to #Victoza and #Trulicity works great for weight loss but costs $169 per dose (about $9000 per year) and RT @moreno_perez_o Semaglutide, reduction in HbA1c and the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Negative: There are few conversations around Ozempic black box warning for diabetic retinopathy and thyroid c-cell tumors- “FDA approves OZEMPIC two days ago and reminder ad appears on LinkedIn. That's okay right? No. Reminder ads are not permitted for products with a boxed warning. OZEMPIC carries a boxed warning concerning the risk of thyroid c-cell tumors”. Other Individual (NICO_FIORENTINO)

Neutral: Majority of individuals were either neutral or positive about the approval, and found sharing the information on social media platform- “FDA approves Novo Nordisk diabetes drug Ozempic”- Pharmacist (SANDESPHARMD)